Confidentiality

To facilitate a smooth process when handling a specific instance, the NCP has
included some points on confidentiality and transparency with regard to the NCP
procedure.

Communication to the general public

In principle, neither the NCP nor the parties involved may make information
from the specific instance or the subsequent proceedings publicly available.

Exceptions to this principle of confidentiality are:

the initial assessment issued by the NCP

when the party that has provided information has granted permission for
making that information publicly available

the final statement from the NCP

Communication between parties

To ensure the proceedings’ transparency, parties are encouraged to share all
communication with one another. If one of the parties communicates directly with
the NCP, the NCP will inform the other party, unless explicitly requested not to
do so by the communicating party.

Public statements and appearances

The parties should bear in mind the possible influence any public appearances
or public statements could have on the success of the proceedings, even in cases
where agreements on confidentiality are not at issue.